Overview

UEFA Champions League

BVB with 50/50 chance as they prepare for Wembley visit

11/02/2019

Borussia Dortmund are gearing up for their third trip to Wembley, having previously faced Bayern Munich (2-1 defeat in the 2013 Champions League final) and Tottenham (3-1 group-stage loss in 2017) at the most famous stadium in world football. Spurs will again be the opponents in the English capital, where the Black & Yellows will be targeting a result that puts them in good stead for the return leg on 5 March.

It is the ninth time BVB have reached the last 16 in 13 seasons in the most important club competition in football − a record only surpassed in Germany by Bayern Munich. They will now be looking to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Statistically speaking, their chances aren't bad. 50/50 to be exact. BVB have been eliminated from European competition by opponents from the home of football on three previous occasions, while they have prevailed three times in knockout ties too: the 1966 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final against West Ham United, the 1997 UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester United and, most recently, the 2016 Europa League last 16 against Tottenham Hotspur.

For Michael Zorc, it is "a clash that could go both ways, a meeting of equals, completely open". Hans-Joachim Watzke spoke of a "50/50 tie" after the draw, but his objective is clear. "We're aiming to progress", he declared.Boris Rupert

BVB newsletter

Stay up to date - with the BVB newsletter! Want to subscribe? Then simply enter your e-mail address and click on the mail symbol! Enjoy!

I agree that the details I give may be used by BVB**. These details may be shared between and accessed by each of the aforementioned departments. These details may be used for the purposes of communication, analysis and advertising. Advertising purposes may include ticket news, campaigns as well as other products and services (such as fan merchandise and events) of both BVB and its official partners.